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Makeup Over 50: Tips, Tricks and Product Recommendations

Makeup. All women love it, but not all of us know how to put it on–myself included. However, when I find myself in the presence of a make-up artist, I take full advantage to ask a few questions. They ARE the expert. Since my daughter Mara began working as a buyer for Gloss48, I’ve been whisked into the world of products that fix, lift, repair, and brighten. Our family dinners are “enlightened” with her latest obsessions.

I’ve only had makeup done 3 times in my life! I couldn’t care less. However one of my burning questions is, “How the heck can I get my make up to STAY on my face?!” I find that at this age, I can leave the house feeling pretty darn good about the way I look, totally ready to take on the world–but sometimes I catch myself in my rearview mirror a few hours later and I see my mom staring back at me! Eventually Mara, who has no problem telling me what to wear, kindly took me to one of her favorite Boston makeup artists, Jackie, who has worked in the industry for 10 years and has been trained by some of the most well-known make up brand names out there, and I was finally awarded the interrogation opportunity of a lifetime.

Armed with Senna Cosmetics and a few other gems, Jackie gave us the lowdown on her must-have products and go-to techniques to make 50+ skin look youthful, flawless, healthy, and full of life. Here’s what she had to say:

Dewy Skin is what all women should aim for, especially as they age because their skin becomes dehydrated. Maintaining a fresh glow is all about finding a great moisturizer that absorbs quickly, does not make you feel oily or shiny, and is very long-lasting. I always encourage my clients to use one with SPF, for obvious reasons! Pur-lisse’s PUR-Protect SPF 30 Essential Daily Moisturizer is one of my top picks.

Bright Eyes are the name of the game. The “dark and dramatic” should, for the most part, be a thing of the past once you’re over the hill.The best way to achieve this is a fabulous concealer or under eye corrector cream, mascara, a shimmer shadow and an eyeliner that can be applied on the lash line of the top eye lid.

Eye Concealer - Concealer is your best friend. Apply it with your finger and dab it under and around your eyes. This will cover the dark circles and make you look incredibly rested. What I love about the Senna HD Hydra Cover Concealer is that each pallet comes with 3 different shades.

Mascara: There is no such thing as the “perfect mascara” it all depends on your lashes. You need to pick a brush that works best for you. As we age our lashes become more sparse and short lashes. If this rings a bell, Sante Perfect Definition Mascara and Senna Voluptulash Mascara help ensure you coat every lash.

Eye Shadow: Many of my clients are scared to use shimmer shadows or blushes. That is so old school! I am not saying sprinkle yourself with glitter but a shimmery neutral eye (Senna Vixen Metallic) and a highlighted cheek helps brighten and soften your look. The only place I would never put shimmer is under your brow!

Blush - Everyone woman needs a blush! You want to find a shade that is most similar to the way your cheeks look when they are flushed or gently pinched (Doucce Blush in Seduction or Painted Earth’s Blush in Tulip provide healthy flushed cheek- but do the pinch test first!). To create “Cute Blush” smile when you are applying and focus on the center of the cheek. It will be a rosey perfection. To create a “Sexy Cheek” suck in your cheeks and stroke up your cheek bone using a contour effect. If you have applied to much blush take a foundation brush and go over it.

Lip color that you feel confident in. Everyone woman is different. However a classic lip that is great from day to night is a natural look. I tend to use creamy neutral lipsticks like Senna Cream Lipstickin Demure or Surrender that are slightly flushed with some pink that I can apply to the lip first and then apply a gloss over it. You can stay natural and use Senna Lip Lacquer in Flaunt or brighten it up with Chic Pink. The lip color will last longer.

I tend to use creamy neutral lipsticks like Senna Cream Lipstick in Demure or Surrender that are slightly flushed with some pink that I can apply to the lip first and then apply a gloss over it.

After this extremely informative makeup lesson and snapping a few shots (see pics below) of my glamorous self; I asked Jackie, “What are some great make up reminders/tips to live by, especially for summer?”

Apply bronzer (Senna Brilliant Bronze in Sunset) on the neck area directly under your chin- it rarely gets sun so you want to even everything out.

When applying foundation never go lighter if anything go warmer. Start from the center of your face and work your way out if necessary. I usually target red areas such as creases of your nose and chin. When it comes to powder- do not have a party with it. Apply only where needed (shine zones).

When applying shimmer shadows or darker shades I recommend finding a neutral base color as the foundation- it acts as a primer. The Haughty Cosmetics Eye Shadow Pallet in Enhance has matte and shimmer colors that complement each other perfectly.

Lip gloss for summer! Lipstick is heavy, when it’s 95 degrees outside you want to feel light. Gloss always brightens up the face and can make your pop!